True Organic Fertilizer: Manure and Muck

By Bill Urell

I visited a store last week, out in the country, where people might be expected to know better, and discovered that one of their products was 'organic fertilizer.' That's right; they were bagging cow dung and selling it, at six dollars a pound, no less. And this in a remote farming area surrounded by cow pastures!

"Organic fertilizer" sounds lovely, but truth be told, for a little work, you can get it free from any nearby farmer. Or you can usually pay someone to deliver it for you. It doesn't come in plastic bags, but I guarantee, it will be less than six dollars a pound.

What kinds of manure work best as organic fertilizer? Well, the store had one thing right; cow dung is best. Because cows digest so little of their food, cow manure won't burn plants the way nitrogen-rich chicken manure will. Nor does it need to be composted before putting it on the garden. (Actually, elephant dung is slightly better than cow dung. But this article assumes that you'll have a slightly easier time finding cow dung than elephant dung.)

Horse manure is another good one. It's not quite as nutrient-rich as cow dung, but again, it won't burn plants and it can be applied directly to the soil.

Chicken manure is the best as far as sheer nutrients go. It's rich in nitrogen; an application of chicken manure will grow some of the best corn you can imagine. However, chicken manure is what's know as a 'hot' manure; it will burn plants, and cannot be applied directly to the soil. In order to use it, let it compost for at least three months (six months to a year is better) in an out-of-the-way corner of the garden, then apply it sparingly to your unplanted beds and wait at least two weeks and one good rain before planting in it. Or, mix it with dry matter, such as leaf mold or sawdust, to cut down on the heat. (Unfortunately, this also dilutes the nutrients. But chicken manure diluted this way makes an excellent organic fertilizer because it can be applied directly to the beds, left two weeks and one good rain, and then planted.)

Ultimately, organic fertilizer should be free or--at the very least--cheap as...well...dirt. Because that's exactly what it is.

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Making Sure You Have All Your Organic Garden Supplies.

Organic farming is the trend these days because it is low-priced and it is environmentally friendly but before you get started, you need to get some organic vegetable horticulture supplies from your local store.

Of all the supplies needed, Dirt is possibly the most crucial since horticulture starts from here.

The condition of the land has to be checked before any preparation or seed implantation takes place.

Because the pH level is not possible to gauge, some amount of compost should be put in the Soil, so that it not only neutralizes it for excess pH, but also keeps the Soil enriched with nutrients for future cultivation.

Lots of gardeners do not purchase|purchase] compost since they are adept in making it.

Compost can be made using weeds, dead leaves, rotten vegetables or meat waste products and manure.

This is not only biodegradable but reduces the measure of debris dumped.

Before you throw the seeds on the prepared land, check that the environment is prepared too for their survival.

To get the best out of your efforts do some online research or even discus the matter with your local store clerk, before you set out to buy them.

If not sees, you could also buy vegetables that have started to grow.

Insects and pests cause big headaches for farmers and gardeners and quick help in this regard is available from other insects, birds, ladybugs, praying mantis and the toad.

Another is the use of horticultural oils that break down quickly and pose little toxicity to humans or pets.

Weeds are another problem: For this, you will have to put on your gardening gloves, get on your knees and start pulling them from the ground.

Effective help can also be obtained if you spray the farming area with horticultural vinegar or corn meal gluten granules, which inhibit weed growth and keeps the soil enriched with nitrogen.

Keep in mind that this should be applied during early spring or fall when most weeds come out.

During selection check the condition of the leaves and omit those, which are already looking worn out and discolored.

There is another non-toxic chemical you can use to fight weeds are fish or seaweed based liquid based plant foods.

They are also known to enrich your soil with nitrogen, phosphate and potash, which benefits your crops.

In case you are not ready with adequate backyard space, use pots made with clay, plastic or wood for doing organic farming.

Just remember to water them often, as their need for water is more indoors than outdoors.

Having all the organic farming provisions prepared will make it easy for you to plant your seeds and harvest them so you are prepared to rotate this with another variant.

If you have multiple horticulture depots where you live, the best option for you is to check and compare their costs before actually making the purchases.

In case you run short of some provisions, look up online depots where you not only get the goods but get good advice also.

Organic farming is not only a low-cost way to grow vegetables, it also ensures that you eat the purest and cleanest foods grown without any harsh chemicals or pesticides – so wait no longer, start with it today.

organic gardening